Maximum respect for the environment without passing fads
It is undeniable that “bio” and “green” are among the most established trends in recent years, and it is equally clear that more and more wineries are embracing this way of working and conceiving wine, satisfying the demands of a market more and more aware and more and more passionate about this philosophy. In recent years, in fact, we have seen the conversion to organic products not only of small and medium-sized companies, but also of large giants, leaders in Italian winemaking. But there are producers who, regardless of the fashions and trends of the moment, work and have always worked with the utmost respect for the environment, with a focus on consumer well-being, even before this trend was so widespread. Producers who, with minimum intervention and maximum respect, produce excellent wines.
Italy boasts a record that places it as a leader in this segment of the wine market. According to the Association of Wine Economics, in fact, Italy has the highest incidence of organic vineyards on the total, with a rate of 15.5%, the highest percentage in the world. As of 2017, according to Sinab data, there were 103,545 hectares of organic vineyards (out of over 660,000 total), and 37,412 were in conversion. The reason behind the success of organic wines lies in the fact that not only consumers but also producers are proving to be more and more aware and attentive to issues such as respect for the environment and the wholesomeness of food.
On the other hand, today it is certainly not enough to obtain an official certification to be true producers of organic wines. We must not simply avoid the use of synthetic products to protect the vineyard from parasites, but it means implementing a series of agronomic practices that tend to safeguard the environment that hosts the crop, not only in terms of interventions with substances chemical, but also avoiding the processes that tend to impoverish the earth.
From the north to the south of Italy, we have selected some of the producers (small or large) who have always worked in this way, although not all officially certified. There are in fact winemakers who, while fully fulfilling the requirements of this type of agriculture, are not certified, not being the main purpose or due to the long procedures to obtain the EU stamp.
Adriano Marco and Vittorio, Piedmont
In the heart of the Langhe, this family of farmers has been working with absolute respect for the land for over a century. Recently the company has invested in the production of eco-sustainable energy with a photovoltaic system that produces the electricity necessary for their production cycle.
Villa Franciacorta, Lombardy
Located in Franciacorta, in the municipality of Monticelli Brusati, it uses only biological and natural substances for the management of the vineyard. Their care and respect for the surrounding environment are concrete examples of a philosophy of life in which the owners of the company blindly believe.
Pizzolato, Veneto
This company in the province of Treviso has focused on organic cultivation since the early years. In fact, the “green” footprint is reflected in all their business choices: starting from the reduction of treatments in the vineyard, to the use of latest generation machinery for low environmental impact.
Manincor, South Tyrol
On the shores of the suggestive Lake Caldaro, the Enzenberg family produces their wines of the highest quality in full respect of ancient values, with biodynamic practices. Even fertilization and weeding are carried out with natural systems using a herd of sheep that graze among the vineyards.
Soldera Case Basse, Tuscany
Gianfranco Soldera’s philosophy was to maintain a completely natural approach to viticulture. Today the family continues its business in compliance with the founding principles and values of Case Basse: the vines are treated exclusively by hand, no herbicides or other chemicals are used.
Luigi Valori, Abruzzo
Luigi Valori believes in organic as a real lifestyle and behaves as such on his estate in Sant’Omero. His philosophy is based on man’s need to adapt to the times of nature. In particular, Luigi’s approach is based on integrated and conscious agriculture, which respects the environment, follows and adapts to his rhythms rather than to those of consumption.
Giovanni Montisci, Sardinia
In the Barbagia di Ollolai, in Mamoiada, Giovanni Montisci takes care of his vines in full respect of the vines, also using ancient practices such as the use of ox for weeding. During the harvest, the utmost attention is paid to keeping the grapes intact, to preserve the excellence of the raw material.
Porta del Vento, Sicily
In the Valdibella district, in Camporeale, Marco Sferlazzo cultivates about ten hectares planted with old vines of catarratto and perricone. No synthetic product is used between the rows and we try to understand and maintain the balance of the vineyard thanks to the spontaneous herbs, a natural sign of biodiversity, with the utmost respect for the balance of nature.
